The list of discussion questions on this page is part of a publication called Number One ESL Discussion Book & Reference Guide.
1. Body language helps people to communicate through body movements, gestures, and facial expressions. How well do you “speak” this language? Can you understand other people by just reading their body movements, gestures, or facial expressions?
2. How do children use body language to show their feelings? How do your friends or siblings use body language to communicate their feelings? Do they have certain body language habits?
3. Prolonged eye contact, raising the volume of your voice, and touching may be considered rude behavior in some countries, especially in Asia. What are common beliefs in your culture or country about prolonged eye contact, raising the volume of your voice, and touching? How do people usually respond to this kind of behavior?
4. What are considered friendly gestures in your culture? What are considered rude gestures or rude body language? What new trends have you noticed regarding body language in your country in the last few years?
5. How do you adjust your body language in different social or professional situations – when you are with friends compared to when you are at work?
6. Can you share a story about a time when you misinterpreted someone’s body language? What happened?
7. What are some ways you can improve your own body language to appear more confident and approachable?
8. Share a story about a time when you used body language to diffuse a tense situation or to convey empathy: Who was involved? Where did it take place? What did you do?
9. How skilled are you in reading subtle cues and micro-expressions in others’ body language – in other words, not just obvious signs like somebody frowning or crossing their arms, but things like lip biting, eye movements, or someone touching their face or hair?
10. Can you identify any differences between men and women in body language and communication styles?
11. What effect do message apps like LINE, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp have on nonverbal communication? What kind of body language do you use in a video chat or online video meeting?
12. Can you share a story about a cultural misunderstanding that occurred due to differences in body language interpretation? (Who was involved? Where did it happen? What was the misunderstanding about?)
13. How do you build trust and rapport with others through nonverbal communication?
14. What types of emotions and intentions are expressed with facial expressions? Do you use facial expressions intentionally?
15. How do you adapt your body language when communicating with individuals from different backgrounds or cultures?
16. Can you share a story about a time when you used body language to persuade someone to do something? (Who was involved? Where did it happen? What did you want to persuade them to do?)
17. How do you think awareness of body language can enhance interpersonal relationships and communication skills?
18. Give examples of body language that works well in public speaking and presentation skills.
19. What is the most common view in your country or culture about personal space? How far should people stand from other people when they are talking? How far do you stand from the person in front of you at the cashier at a supermarket? What would you say to someone who stands too close to you?
20. Shaking hands is another way to communicate. A firm handshake with the palm pointing downwards and arm slightly extended indicates confidence, and a weak handshake with the palm pointing upward can be an indication of tension or shyness. Is handshaking a common custom in your country or culture? Do you often greet people with a handshake? How would you describe your handshake – firm or weak? Some people say it is sometimes bad to give someone a firm handshake, and that it is sometimes good to give someone a weaker handshake. When is it a good idea to give someone a firm handshake? When is it a good idea to give someone a weaker handshake?